THANKFUL FOR Healthy Family Rivalries

They won't say it out loud, but my Uncle and my Hubby love each other. They enjoy many of the same things, sans golf, and frequently bond over electronic discussions, sports talk, tv shows, movie reviews, and everything in between. Putting this duo together can sometimes be bad news for the wives. They are truly a mess.

Ironically, one of their favorite past times is debating over UK vs KU. It's definitely a rivalry. They make me laugh and often shake my head as they debate and battle about which program is best. I am thankful for healthy family rivalries, never a dull moment.

THANKFUL FOR My Parents

If Mr. McGoo and I are able to one day be half the parents my folks are, we will do alright. I love my parents. They have taught me so much throughout my life and I continue to learn from them!

For Christmas, my sisters and I decided to give an early gift to my folks. We paid for a photo shoot for them with the same photographer that did photos of us in 2009 that we gifted to my rents. You can see some of the fun shots from their shoot by going to the photographer's blog: http://katiedunlapphotography.com/blog/2011/11/l-c-32-years/

I am thankful for my parents. Aren't they super cute!?
Thanks Katie Dunlap Photography for capturing their awesomeness!

THANKFUL FOR Freedom

This weekend we celebrated FREEDOM through the acknowledgement of Veterans Day -  a day to thank all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country - and the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It's so easy to take our freedom for granted.

On Sunday, Mr. McGoo and I woke up and went to church without any fear of being captured or found out by the authorities. We do not have to hide the Bibles in our home or worry about the Bible in my purse. We have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ with a multitude of believers. To sing His praises without fear.

I am thankful for freedom. I am thankful for the men and women who have fought for those freedoms.

I want to remember my brothers and sisters in Christ who are not living in a land of religious freedom. Men and woman who are courageous about their faith in Christ. Give them strength and perseverance, Lord!

THANKFUL FOR My Car

Although it can be expensive keeping up with its needs and filling it with gas, my car is something to be thankful for. It's reliable and gets me from place to place with ease. I don't have to walk to work 22+ miles away, or journey on foot for food or water for hours. I do not have to think through the lacking public transportation schedule of Memphis when I want to go somewhere... when I need to get from point A to point B I jump in my vehicle and go.

I am thankful for my car. Now here's to hoping I remember that the next time it's in need of repair.

THANKFUL FOR Literacy

I am a book lover. To curl up with a delicious cup of coffee and enjoy a good book is one of my favorite things to do.

I would not be able to enjoy this joy and pleasure without the ability to read, or literacy. It's such a blessing. Not only does it allow me to read for pleasure, but it opens up multiple doors through further education. I was blessed with parents that read to me as child. I grew up watching my mother enjoy reading... and I have fallen in her footsteps.  

I am thankful for literacy. I do not want to take this gift for granted.

THANKFUL FOR The Forsaken Children

The Lord used an organization called The Forsaken Children to rock Mr. McGoo and my world. This ministry works to care for, equip, and share the love of Christ with Ethiopia's children at risk. It's an awesome ministry.

If you have not gone to their website recently, definitely check it out because changes and additions have been made. Also, for those Facebook users out there, you can follow The Forsaken Children at http://www.facebook.com/theforsakenchildren.

I am thankful for The Forsaken Children. God used this ministry to capture my heart for a population of people greatly outside of my typical network of interaction. People He greatly loves and cares for immensely.

I bet He wants to do the same with you. Rock your world for people He loves outside of your comfort zone. Will you let Him? It may not be people in Africa or China or India, but it might be those in a town a few communities away or those living downtown.

Trust me, it's worth it!

THANKFUL FOR a Sense of Safety

I was thinking about it the other day, how thankful I am that I do not have to be in a state of fear at my home or in my neighborhood. Throughout the city, the United States, and the world there are people that sleep in fear with one eye open or walk around with the uncertainty of harm to come. Always concerned, am I or my family next? There are neighborhoods that have regular drive by shooting issues, there are countries and villages that are in fear of slaughter by the rogue forces, and many more unstable situations all throughout the world.

I am so blessed. I do not live in this sense of fear and uncertainty when I am home or going from place to place in my community. I am thankful for a sense of safety and the ability to live without fear. I don't want to take that sense and feeling for granted.